Lake Nanita - 21.6 Miles Round-Trip

Lake Nanita is located 10.8 miles from North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. It lies at the head of an isolated valley framed by Ptarmigan Mountain (12,324’) and Andrews Peak (12,565’).

This long but moderate trail follows North Inlet Creek 7.45 miles before splitting off on a strenuous 3.35 mile climb to the lake. Camping is not permitted at Lake Nanita or nearby Lake Nokoni, which limits traffic and gives each an undisturbed feel.

Ten backcountry campsites along the way are spread across miles of cascading streams and large meadows frequented by moose and elk (see mapfor campsite locations). Visitors will enjoy stops at Cascade Falls, The Big Pool, North Inlet Falls and Lake Nokoni on the hike to Lake Nanita:

The trail begins on a level dirt road across private property to the edge of Summerland Park (1.2 miles : 8,530’). It narrows onto single track and arcs NE around large meadows partially veiled by thin bands of timber - ideal habitat for seeing wildlife.

The trail undulates mildly into a lodgepole forest badly marred by pine beetles, though the herbaceous layer and creek corridor remain healthy and verdant.

It rises nominally to Twinberry Backcountry Campsite (2.93 miles : 8,740’), then high along the north valley wall before leveling back to the creek and a spur for Cascade Falls (3.4 miles : 8,845’).

Social trails branch down to viewing areas of the voluminous cascade; exercise caution when scrambling about this oft-slick area. The trail continues above the falls around a large meadow, another great place to step out and scan for wildlife (4.0 miles : 8,950’).

It reaches a bridge over Big Pool (4.8 miles : 9,080’), where the powerful North Inlet is funneled through a narrow granite chute and slows into a large swirling pool. This scenic area is a fine turnaround point if not aiming for the lakes.

Mild grades expedite travel along the creek through damaged swathes of forest, with more frequent intervals of healthy spruce and fir deeper in the backcountry.

The trail skirts another large meadow complex (6.0 miles : 9,295’) to Grouseberry Backcountry Campsite (6.3 miles : 9.315’), North Inlet Group Site (6.4 miles : 9,330’) and a bridge over Ptarmigan Creek (6.65 miles : 9,345’).

A faint social trail splits NE up Ptarmigan Creek to Wardance Falls and its source at Bench Lake.

The main trail continues east to Porcupine Backcountry Campsite (6.75 miles : 9,378’), past which it climbs away from the creek on switchbacks to the Lake Nanita Trail Split (7.45 miles : 9,585’).

Here the North Inlet Trail veers NE on a 4.6 mile climb to Flattop Mountain (12,234’) on the Continental Divide, and the Lake Nanita Trail drops south to a scenic bridge across North Inlet Falls (7.6 miles : 9,515’). It rises to the Pine Marten Backcountry Campsite (7.8 miles : 9,590’), the last and closest campsite to the lakes.

Grades steepen considerably on long switchbacks with emerging views of the Divide, peaks over the Nokoni-Nanita basins and Lake Solitude valley below.

It eases only upon reaching a bridge over the Lake Nokonioutlet (9.8 miles : 10,773’). Lake Nokoni lies in a deep, steep walled bowl topped by Ptarmigan Mountain. Room to roam is limited, though large rock slabs offer nice perches around the lake

The main trail continues on steep, short-leg switchbacks over Nokoni with aerial views of the basin and valley below. It crests on the shoulder of Ptarmigan Mountain (10.35 miles : 11,064’), then descends ruggedly to the edge of Lake Nanita (10.8 miles : 10,780’).

Steep walls frame the west shore, but the long east shore is accessible with some crafty maneuvering. Terrain is varied and uneven, with many interesting nooks, side ponds and outcrops to explore.

Worth Noting

The North Inlet Trail is part of the greater Continental Divide Trail, which runs over 3100 miles from Mexico to Canada. It's also part of a 17.2 mile thru-hike route across Rocky Mountain National Park from Grand Lake (west) to Bear Lake (east).

The trail is easy-moderate to the Lake Nokoni - Lake Nanita junction. It then climbs 1550' in just 2.75 miles from the low point over North Inlet Falls to the high point between Nokoni and Nanita.

Backcountry campsites fill up quickly during peak summer months. Plan ahead and arrive early for reservations. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance on this trail. Long sleeves and repellant are recommended.

Moose are common along the North Inlet and can be dangerous if startled, with calves or during the rut. Enjoy all wildlife from a safe, respectful distance.

Camping and Backpacking Information

A permit is required for all backcountry camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. Permits may be obtained from the Beaver Meadows Visitors Center Backcountry Office, or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at Grand Lake. Day-of-trip permits may be obtained in-person, year round. Contact the Backcountry Office for details: 970.586.1242.

Reservations may be secured by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit to be used in that calendar year. Phone reservations are accepted from March 1 - May 15, and anytime after October 1 for a permit in that calendar year.

Fishing Information

Fishing is permitted along the North Inlet and at Lake Nokoni and Lake Nanita with a valid Colorado fishing license. Specific rules may apply to each lake and various sections of the North Inlet. Consult the RMNP backcountry office for the latest rules and regulations.

Directions to Trailhead

The North Inlet Trailhead is located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, just off West Portal Road on the north side of Grand Lake.

From Highway 34, turn east for Grand Lake on Highway 278 / West Portal Road. Drive approximately .75 miles and turn left up a steep, narrow dirt road at the sign for Tonahutu and North Inlet trailheads. In .2 miles take the quick right fork and continue another .25 miles to the trailhead parking lot.

The dirt roads off West Portal Road are narrow and steep in places. Drive slowly. The roads are suitable for all cars, though subject to flooding, ruts and mud.

Contact Information

Rocky Mountain National Park Visitor Information: 970.586.1206

Backcountry Office: 970.586.1242

Campground Reservations: 800.365.2267

Emergency Dispatch: 970.586.1203

Trip Reports

There are no trip reports on this trail.

Comments

"This is a tremendous hike. Very long, but not technical or too strenuous. Fairly easy the first 7 miles or so, then the elevation gain begins, but it's never too steep. We had to deal with some snow to Lake Nokoni, but not too much. It added to the scenery near and at the lake.
We had to break trail a little to get to Lake Nanita. While one can glimpse it in the distance through the trees after heading down from the ridge between the two lakes, it does take a little while to actually get to the shore.
We had it all to ourselves, and it was magnificent. Lingered for a while before making the long trek back. Encountered a moose near where the cascades flow down from War Dance Falls. My friend thought it was another hiker and said, "Look, another hiker...wait, that's not a hiker, that's a moose!"
He was a big boy with a huge rack, so we backed down the trail a little to get behind some trees. He didn't seem to care about us a whit, but we waited until he moseyed on by before proceeding."
Alex Clayton -
Denver -
Date Posted: May 31, 2015

"My 1st of two backpacks on North Inlet Trail was in 1992. Hiked up and camped at Footbridge camp site when the only crossing over the river was a flattened log. Balancing a full pack was a challenge. At that time my son was 8 and the 65 year old Pastor from our church was leading the charge up the trail. I was 30 LBs over weight and not in any shape to be in this situation. Guess who's at tail end begging for a rest every 1/2 mile. Now flash forward 8 years during which I changed my life with a diet and exercise program, lost the 30 LBs. I'm planning my son's Scout Troops Hiking,biking and rafting trip to Colorado. I picked the same trail and this time went from Grand Lake over the Continental divide down to Bear Lake. Guess who's leading the charge up the mountain now. I'll never forget the 16 year olds at the end of the line begging me to take a break. PS: Lakes Nokoni and Nanita are spectacular,"
Mark Johnson -
Rockford Ill -
Date Posted: February 15, 2015

"This is one of the most pristine areas in the country. Large Green Back Cutthroat trout lounging at the surface, in a magnificent lake setting. The hike is a little strenuous, but so incredible once you reach your destination. Both lakes are magnificent, but Nanita was may favorite because of all the visible fish. They are just gorgeous. If you go, you will be very pleasantly surprised. Make sure your camera is in perfect condition. You will definitely want to share your adventure with friends and relatives. Enjoy."
Sherald Friend -
Littleton, CO -
Date Posted: May 28, 2012

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